Am I crazy?

[Downtown]

Ok, I know the initial answer is yes..... but keep reading. We've been in our house for almost two years and have yet to meet anyone in our neighborhood aside from our immediate next door neighbors and directly across the street. So I was thinking - hey - it's the holiday season! A perfect excuse to host a drop in, say between 2-4 on a Saturday afternoon, make coffee, put out cookies, etc. I'm pretty sure Rob (my husband) thinks I'm insane. He's never heard of this before.

Anyway, we don't have kids yet, and probably not for a while, and I just thought it would be nice to know our neighborhood. Rob's practically a hermit, so although he's not gung-ho about this idea, he's willing to indulge me. I was just wondering if this is really a stupid idea.

 

[PlannerGirl]

I think its a great idea, ive had like things before-being the social butterfly and all.

have at it and it will help you get all in the holiday mood

PG

 

[Chet]

It's a good idea, but the neighbors are probably thinking, "It's been tow years? Why now?"

I would have done an open house with my last move, but being a gentrifier, I would have had to bolt down the furniture and hide the good china...

 

[nerudite]

I voted for the sure why not option... if it's something you think sounds good, then go for it. Personally, I tend toward the hermit side and I already know most of my neighbors. They already drop over at odd hours, so I wouldn't want to encourage them anymore than they do at this point. But if you are looking to meet more neighbors, this sounds like a great idea!

 

[gkmo62u]

K

not a stupid idea, my wife would do it and I would go along I guess.

I would serve booze, however.

 

[statler]

I think it's a good idea but don't be disappointed if not too many people show up.
First, it's a busy time of year for most people.
Second, people might think you might be trying to sell them Amway or something
Third, people are just generally more paranoid nowadays.

If you do do it, make sure you include your phone # so people can call with questions to alleviate thier fears.

Oh and free food/booze never hurt!

 

[Tranplanner]

I think it's a great idea, but if you live in a neighbourhood where after two years you haven't had a lot of contact with the neighbours, I'm not sure how many of 'em are going to drop by.

How were you planning on advertising the event? Maybe just start with the neighbours you do know. See if they are friendly with any additional neighbours that might be interested.

 

[Jen]

Go for it, Kel. SOunds like fun. And I bet there will be others in your neighborhood who will be glad you did. ALl it takes is someone to break the ice and who knows maybe a block party next summah.

 

[Jeff]

I don't know about this one...

Not only would I not want people I didn't know in my house, if one of my neighbors had one of these things I wouldn't want to go.

I don't know just seems weird...

 

[SW MI Planner]

Hmmmmm.... I think it's a good idea, but the others have some good points, about not knowing who would stop by.

Whats the atmosphere like in your neighborhood? We just moved in two years ago, and we have only met three of ours, but wave to the others when they drive by, etc. Basically pretty friendly . Someone new just moved in a couple months ago and I wanted to take over some cookies or bread or something and Chad thought it was stupid so I didn't. What do men know anyway...

Anywho, what about making a plate of cookies to deliver around with a little note attached? Of course if they are too paranoid to stop over, they might be scared there are staples in the no bakes or something. But at least that would get you out to meet everyone and starts the ball rolling.

 

[Zoning Goddess]

Last year, two new families at the other end of our street held a block party in the evening about a week before X-mas and had a pretty good turnout. Since we're in Florida, it was on the lawn between their homes, and BYOB and/or an appetizer to share. They also organized one of those displays of lights in paper bags down the neighborhood streets, and got the materials and gave them out to all the residents who wanted them for a couple dollars each. I'm sure they're wondering if anyone else will take up the challenge and do it this year.

 

[kms]

I don't think that I would try this during the holidays, but it does sound fun. Since you've been there for two years and haven't met a lot of the neighbors, why don't you co-host an event with one of the neighbors you know and get along with? That would ease the anxiety of anyone who doesn't know you yet.

How about a mid-winter thing, when people have cabin fever? Or a Mardi-Gras party the weekend before Ash Wednesday, whenever that falls. Decide if you want people you invite to bring their kids, and plan food/drink accordingly.

Anyway, you seem nice enough to me. If I lived in your neighborhood, I'd go to your party.

 

[Downtown]

Anyway, you seem nice enough to me. If I lived in your neighborhood, I'd go to your party.

Hee. thanks, KMS.

I was thinking I would just send out a little flyer saying something along the lines that we've been in the neighborhood for a little while, but haven't had the opportunity to meet many of the neighbors, so we're having a drop in on saturday afternoon, between 2-4. Please feel free to stop by even if you only have a couple of minutes (so people don't feel pressured to stay long) - have coffee and cookies, have their kids decorate a holiday cookie or two with frosting and just say hi. The four neighbors that we know are all super old, but we have seen kids on bikes, and on walks around the neighborhood have seen big wheels in driveways - indicating presence of younger families. It just seems so hard to meet people outside of work (topic for a whole other thread - along the lines of how american society has changed since the days of the welcome wagon and bowling leagues.)

 

[Jeff]

You can always invite them over for bong hits...

Get to see who all the "kewl kids" in the neighborhood are.

 

[el Guapo]

Toga Toga Toga Toga

I think your wanting to connect is natural. I do the cold drop by to meet new neighbors. It always seems to work. But I think your situation calls for a keg in the yard. That will draw out the fun neighbors and those are the ones you want to meet anyway.

 

[Jen]

Tis the season to be jolly

Funny I am hearing most of the nays from the guys whereas the gals are saying yea...

How many are you inviting Kel? I like the cookie decorating idea too! Here's an idea: set out a ittle sign in your yard with balloons during the open house times - sort of a welcoming and beckoning call to the families you want to meet, put on holiday music, get the holiday decorations out and you'll have a crowd!

And don't be shy guys there is lots of interesting topics for small talk among neighbors! house maintenance, hobbies, football, lawn care, oh the excitement of it all!

 

[Mastiff]

Try a game of naked Twister on the front lawn...

That'll have 'em coming in droves.

 

[Planderella]

As long as it doesn't turn into one of those 70's style neighborhood swing parties I used to hear about, then it would be cool.

 

[Mastiff]

As long as it doesn't turn into one of those 70's style neighborhood swing parties I used to hear about, then it would be cool.

What was wrong with those?

 

[Jeff]

I say go for the bong hits in the kitchen, keg stands in the backyard, and 2-story funnels on th eside of the house.

That outta keep all the old ladies away